A HOSPITAL radio station is back on air – two months after a technical glitch broadcast shows to planes jetting in and out of Manchester Airport.

Problems with the transmitting equipment at Birmingham Hospital Broadcasting Network meant that planes in the flight path of Manchester Airport picked up the station’s signal.

The volunteer-run station usually broadcasts to hospitals including Good Hope, Heartlands, Queen Elizabeth and City - but in July, pilots and passengers also tuned in to the Beatles and the Beach Boys.

Patients had to endure the sound of silence after the equipment fault forced the station to cease transmission at the QE and Heartlands for six weeks.

But the 24-hour station is now back on the air after spending £3,000 on new kit to replace the broken main transmitter.

Technical controller Dave Horton said: “We were surprised to find out we were broadcasting so far on the wrong frequency.

“But being responsible, we took it off the air as soon as we found out.

“It’s good that we are back on air at all the hospitals as its been proved that music helps patients and we have a lot of contact with them with our request shows.” The station, which has been broadcasting for 57 years, raised £600 towards the transmitter by holding outside broadcasts at Asda in Small Heath. Programme controller Colin Monnaf said they are now looking for local companies to sponsor shows, including sports programmes featuring live commentary from St Andrews, Villa Park and The Hawthorns.

He said: “We are pleased that BHBN can resume broadcasting at full capacity, and are grateful to all those who contributed.

“Although we are a charity, we opted for the highest quality available to us in order to maintain our high standards. This does not come cheap.”

Companies can sponsor a show from between £100-500 per annum to help make up the cost of the new equipment.